The XR Week Preview (19th November 2024): Meta Launches Project Aria Research Kits and a Surge of Chinese Smartglasses Arrives, Plus More!

Greetings from the beautiful landscapes of Finland! As I travel between Helsinki and Lapland, I’m having a delightful time with unique experiences like meeting Santa Claus, petting reindeers, and savoring traditional Finnish cuisine. Soon, I’ll be diving into MatchXR, a major XR event in Nordic Europe, and I can’t wait to share my insights from there. But before we delve into the latest updates, I want to take a moment to honor Daniel Dyboski-Bryant, who recently passed away. I had the privilege of meeting him at events like AWE US and in virtual spaces like ENGAGE. Daniel was a genuinely kind soul, passionate about leveraging VR for educational and humanitarian causes. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will surely inspire us moving forward. Farewell, Daniel.

Top News of the Week

Meta’s Open Invitation for Project Aria Research Kits

Back when Meta introduced Project Aria, it was clear they were on a mission to transform AR technology. These glasses, initially reserved for Meta and its close collaborators, were designed to track and analyze user behavior without a display, just through an array of sensors like cameras and microphones. This initiative aimed to collect valuable data to refine AI/ML systems for future AR glasses. Fast forward to this week, and Meta is opening the doors to wider innovation with their Project Aria Research Kits. Now, research centers across the globe can apply to receive this development kit, complete with the glasses, SDK, and cloud services for advanced processing needs. It’s a fantastic opportunity for institutions to delve into novel AR explorations, as illustrated by some impressive case studies on Meta’s website from universities like Bristol, Iowa, and Carnegie Mellon. For any research center out there, this is your moment to seize a groundbreaking chance to innovate.

Other Noteworthy News

A Surge of Smartglasses from China and Beyond

This week in smart glasses has been nothing short of thrilling. With the success of Ray-Ban Meta, it seems everyone wants a piece of the pie. Just this week, three innovative smart glasses from Chinese companies were announced. Xiaomi, a veteran in tech innovation, is reportedly collaborating with Goertek to bring a competitor to Ray-Ban’s Meta Glasses, potentially arriving by Q2 2025. Meanwhile, the tech giant Baidu has unveiled Xiaodu AI Glasses, a lightweight, feature-packed marvel expected to hit the markets in early 2025. Plus, Rokid has introduced their sleek glasses in collaboration with fashion brand BOLON, showcasing a blend of fashion and tech that can only be described as futuristic. And if that wasn’t enough, Amazon is rumored to be developing a smart eyewear solution for its drivers, potentially revolutionizing delivery efficiency. It’s an exhilarating time in the world of smart glasses, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds next.

Meta’s Education Initiative

Just a few months ago, Meta hinted at a groundbreaking new platform for education utilizing its Quest headsets, and that vision is now coming to life with the beta launch of Meta For Education. This innovative program aims to streamline the integration of VR in academic and training settings by allowing educators to access specialized apps and manage multiple devices effortlessly. Top-tier universities are already on board, with feedback from these institutions shaping the program into a robust tool. Additionally, through partnerships with VictoryXR, Meta is spearheading digital twin campuses in Europe, enhancing remote learning experiences like never before. The push into education is likely not just a strategic business move but a cultural shift towards greater XR adoption from an early age.

Exciting Developments in VR and XR

• bHaptics Revamps Its Lineup: Known for their haptic vests, bHaptics has just launched an updated line of devices that promise to enhance the XR experience, from their flagship TactSuit Pro to the versatile TactSleeve.

• Horizon Worlds Introduces Meta Credits: Rolling out a virtual currency could be a game-changer for Horizon Worlds, paving the way for a bustling economy of digital goods.

• Ekto VR’s Cutting-Edge Shoes: After years of anticipation, Ekto VR is finally releasing their unique VR shoes, aimed at transforming virtual walk experiences.

• MeRCURY Diving Mask Now on IndieGoGo: This unique XR headset offers immersive underwater adventures, catering mainly to business needs given its price point.

• Apple Steps Up with Immersive Videos: Adding to its immersive experiences, Apple has unveiled two new high-quality videos that promise to captivate audiences.

Brief Game Updates and Reviews

Here’s a quick rundown of new releases and updates:

• Ember Souls launches on Quest with a unique take on hack-and-slash gameplay.
• Gadgeteer brings mixed reality fun to its creative sandbox.
• Beat Saber fans, rejoice as the Monstercat Mixtape 2 is now available.
• Clone Drone in the Hyperdome offers a thrilling sequel experience.
• Gears & Goo is coming soon to Vision Pro, ambitiously merging tower defense with futuristic technology.

And for some reviews, Square Enix’s Triangle Strategy finds a good fit in XR, though retains similarities to flatscreen experiences. Meanwhile, DIG VR charms with humor despite some interaction woes, and EXOcars impresses with a fine balance of realism and fun in racing.

Additional Tidbits

• Sony ceases PSVR adapters for PS5.
• Pico’s OS update catches the eye.
• Children flock to Meta Horizon Worlds, as noted by Wired.
• A treasure trove of Quixel assets is now free on FAB.
• Vive Ultimate Tracker expands its compatibility.

XR Fun and Opportunities

On a lighter note, get creative with the XR Design Challenge, a global hackathon that promises exciting prizes for the best ideas in XR design. And for those looking to advocate or advertise in the XR realm, this blog offers a unique platform to connect with VR enthusiasts.

Lastly, please consider supporting the Red Cross efforts in Ukraine. Thank you to all patrons who lend their support to spread kindness and innovation in these challenging times.

(Header image by Meta)

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